SerpApi.Org
There's surf fashion, then there's surfwear. We're talking rugged, well-built, functional equipment that not only enhances your surf sessions, but looks good too. When it comes to go-anywhere sun protection, the folks at Florence and Patagonia are at the head of the glass. Whether you're in the water, on the water, or just lounging around the beach all day, here's some of SURFER's most essential surfwear for your next adventure:
Best Rashguard: Florence Long Sleeve Hooded Rashguard
It's not often we see a piece of surf gear ingratiate itself into the community quite like the Florence Marine X Long Sleeve Hooded Rashguard has. Until John John, Nathan, and Ivan Florence adopted it as essential gear for long days under the tropical sun, hooded rashguards weren't really a thing. They are now.
Designed by surfers who routinely spend marathon days in the water, the rashguard nails the balance between protection and performance. The compression-style fit stays put while paddling, the four-way stretch never feels restrictive, and the flatlock seams eliminate the chafing that can ruin long sessions. But the standout feature is the three-panel hood and soft integrated visor, which shield your ears, neck, and face from relentless tropical sun without flapping around in the wind. Add UPF 50+ protection and a boardshort tie loop, and you've got a piece of gear that's purpose-built for serious water time.
The best surf gear fades into the background, allowing you to focus on the waves instead of your equipment. That's exactly what the Florence Hooded Rashguard does. It's become the gold standard for warm-water surf missions, and after enough all-day sessions under an unforgiving sun, it's hard to imagine traveling without one. This is an easy choice for the 2026 SURFER Awards.
Best Surf/Sun Shirt: Patagoinia Men's Capilene Cool Sun Hoody
There are pieces of gear you pack because you might need them, and then there are the ones that never leave your surf bag. Patagonia's Capilene Cool Sun Hoody falls squarely into the second category. Whether I'm paddling out for a quick dawn session at home or spending an entire day on a boat in the tropics, it's become my go-to layer whenever the forecast calls for relentless sun. It's light enough that you forget you're wearing it, which is exactly the point.
Patagonia designed it specifically for long days of sun exposure with 40+ UPF protection, fast-drying recycled polyester fabric, and a textured interior that keeps the material off your skin to improve airflow. The generous hood provides excellent coverage, while thumb loops protect the backs of your hands, an area that's easy to overlook until it's fried after a week-long surf trip. Minimal seams reduce chafing, and the relaxed fit never feels restrictive, whether you're paddling, hiking to a remote break, or kicking back after a session.
Like everything Patagonia makes, the details are well thought out. The recycled construction, Fair Trade Certified manufacturing, and purpose-driven design make it feel like a piece you'll own for years, not just a season. For surfers looking for dependable sun protection without sacrificing comfort, the Capilene Cool Sun Hoody is an easy pick for the 2026 SURFER Awards.
Best Sunglasses: Costa Rincon II
Admittedly, I'm a sunglass snob. I won't go anywhere without a good pair of shades, and if I'm traveling, I always keep a couple extra pairs in the bag as backups. And for the last year, Costa's Rincon II have been my favorite glasses. From afternoons at home at Trestles to long days in the water in places like Fiji, they perform in all conditions. And they're built to last, which is critical for my clumsy ass.
The lightweight frame sits securely without creating pressure points, but the real star of the Rincon II is Costa's industry-leading 580 polarized lens technology. Whether you're scanning a reef for incoming sets, driving the coast after a session, or spending hours on the water filming or fishing, the lenses dramatically reduce glare while boosting contrast and color definition. The result is exceptional visual clarity that helps you read ocean texture, shifting currents, and subtle changes in conditions that lesser sunglasses simply wash out.
Costa's scratch-resistant C-Wall coating and 100% UV protection add durability and long-term confidence for surfers who aren't gentle on their gear. This is a purpose-built performance frame designed for life on and around the ocean. For surfers looking for premium optics, dependable comfort, and all-day protection, the Rincon II earns its place as one of the standout eyewear options in the 2026 SURFER Awards.
Best Changing Poncho: Leus Original ECO Ponchos
Nobody wants to see you flash the parking lot. Ditch the precarious towel change and upgrade with the Original ECO Poncho from Leus. The Tie Dye Rainbow version brings some much-needed color to the lineup while delivering the comfort and functionality you actually need after a long surf. And stay tuned for a very special SURFER collection coming soon. Made from certified sustainable cotton, it’s soft, absorbent, and roomy enough to change in without feeling like you’re wrestling inside a sleeping bag. The oversized hood, stash pockets, and relaxed fit make it equally useful for early-morning surf checks, cold beach days, road trips, and hanging around the fire after a session. The best surf accessories become part of your routine, and the LEUS ECO Poncho is one of those pieces you’ll wonder how you lived without. Functional, cozy, and with a little extra style, it’s an easy addition to any surfer’s gear arsenal.
Best Surf Hat: Florence Airtex Boonie Hat
You may love it. You may live for it. But the sun is not your friend. And when it comes to protecting yourself from its harmful rays, the Florence Marine X Airtex Boonie is a must. It’s lightweight, breathable, and built for the kind of all-day adventures where sun protection actually matters. The standout feature is Florence’s AIRTEX fabric, which uses over one million perforations to maximize airflow and keep your head cool when conditions get hot. The quick-drying, UPF-rated material, adjustable drawcord, and insulated EVA brim make it equally at home on a boat, a remote beach, or a long walk to a distant setup. The hidden interior pocket is a small but thoughtful detail that adds to the hat’s expedition-ready design. The Airtex Boonie is a modern take on a classic surf accessory, functional, comfortable, and designed for real time spent outdoors. For surfers looking for serious sun protection without sacrificing breathability or style, this one earns its place among the best gear of 2026.
Best Beach Towel: Leus Beach ECO Towels
A good surf towel is one of those underrated pieces of gear and LEUS has built its Beach ECO Towels specifically for that lifestyle ... soft enough to feel good after a long session, durable enough to live in the back of your truck, and stylish enough that you’ll actually want to bring it everywhere. Made from certified sustainable cotton, the Beach ECO Towel delivers the perfect balance of comfort and performance. The plush printed velour top feels great for lounging, while the absorbent terry backing quickly handles post-surf cleanup. A built-in hanging loop is a small but essential detail that keeps it ready for the next session, and the antimicrobial treatment helps keep things fresh between adventures. From roadside changing rooms to beach camps and backyard hangs, this is the kind of everyday surf accessory that becomes part of the routine. Functional, sustainable, and covered in artwork that brings some personality to the lineup, LEUS makes a towel that’s much more than an afterthought.
